28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it[a] is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[b]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Don’t speculate on when Jesus will return, just be ready, alert, prepared and expectant! The image I have when I read this is of a small child waiting for their dad or mum to come home. For them time passes slowly but they run to the door at every sound, they look through the window and keep on looking. Every car that drives down the street is possibly their car arriving. They are alert, expectant, excited for the coming reunion!

So we are to wait expectantly. What a great reunion this will be. I think I often approach this passage with a sense of warning – and it is there – don’t get caught napping. But there is also that joyful sense of expectation being satisfied when Jesus returns. How amazing it will be! Face to face with Jesus. No more waiting, no more watching, no more checking!

But until that day – whenever that is – Lord help me remember there are people around me everyday who don’t know you yet. I want them to know you. Quicken my sense of urgency to share with them the amazing gift of knowing You!